The Wild Side

Let's Get Ready To Rumble...Mountain Lions vs. Coyotes

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 14:56:00 +0000

My money's on the cats...anyone have the coyotes?

See Thriving Bald Eagles in the Sooner State This Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:43:00 +0000

Bald eagle numbers in Oklahoma will remain at their peak through February, making right now the perfect time to catch a glimpse of one.

With over a million surface acres of water and 11,600 miles of shoreline, Oklahoma is one of the top 10 states in the nation for winter bald eagle viewing. Anywhere from 700 to 1,500 migrating eagles can be seen in the winter in Oklahoma, particularly around lakes, such as Kaw, Texoma, Tenkiller, Ft. Gibson, Grand, Canton and Great Salt Plains.

As lakes in the northern U.S. and Midwest freeze, eagles migrate south for the winter, searching for open water and food. In addition to migrant eagles that spend winters in Oklahoma, some bald eagles live in Oklahoma year-round. More than 120 bald eagles call Oklahoma home throughout the year, increasing from no known eagles in the state prior to 1990.

Public eagle watches are fun and easy ways to see our nation's symbol and to interact with wildlife professionals, such as an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation biologist.

"These events are a great opportunity for families to catch glimpses of bald eagle before they begin their northward movement back to their breeding areas," said Melynda Hickman, wildlife diversity biologist for the Department. "Additionally, the increase in eagle pairs that live in Oklahoma year-round is a sign that eagle recovery efforts were successful."

These eagle watches are hosted by the Wildlife Department, state parks, lake management offices, national wildlife refuges and local Audobon Society chapters. Activities vary, but most eagle watch events are free. The Wildlife Department annually compiles a list of events to help Oklahomans discover where to view this majestic bird.

A full listing of public eagle watches with dates, details and contact information is available on the Wildlife Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com. This website also offers more information about bald eagles, including natural history, viewing tips and how Oklahomans can benefit bald eagles.

** Special Note: I am aware the photo isn't an eagle, however it's all I had on file...and it's a great photo!

IFW Radio-Collar Moose Research Project Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 15:39:00 +0000

This morning, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife embarked on an intensive 5-year moose research project that will give department biologists an even greater understanding of the health of the Maine moose population, including such keys as adult and calf survival rates and reproductive rates.

“Maine’s moose population is healthy and strong,” said Lee Kantar, the department’s moose biologist. “This research project is an important tool in managing Maine’s moose population, and will benefit all who enjoy Maine’s moose.”

A trained crew that specializes in capturing and collaring large animals is utilizing a helicopter, cartridge-launched nets and immobilization darts to capture and collar female moose and calves in an area located in and around Jackman and Greenville (centered in Wildlife Management District 8).

The plan calls for the crew to capture and collar 30 adult female moose and 30 calves. This area of western Maine was chosen since it is within the core moose range of the state, and earlier research shows that this area already has a lower cow to calf ratio than other parts of the state. The geography and winter conditions of the area are also representative of much of Maine’s moose habitat.

“Capturing more information on female moose and their young is the key to improving our moose management,” said Kantar.

Aero Tech, Inc. specializes in this type of capture and collaring, and recently completed a similar job in New Hampshire. The crew, based out of New Mexico, consists of a team of four, with each having a specialized role in the process.

Kantar, with the assistance of the Maine Forest Service Air Operations Branch, has been scouting and marking GPS coordinates within WMD 8 already. This information will assist Aero Tech in finding moose in this area.

“The Maine Forest Service and their pilots have been extremely helpful in providing flights to locate moose, as well as assisting us with our moose population surveys over the last 4 winters,” said Kantar.

Once collared, the GPS-enabled collars will transmit twice a day, providing biologists the ability to track moose movements. The GPS collars are expected to transmit movement signals for four years. If there is no movement for a certain period of time, the collar transmits a mortality signal, and biologists will then travel by foot to investigate the cause of death.

“Once we receive a mortality signal, we will locate the dead moose within 24 hours,” said Kantar. Where possible, the entire body will be removed to conduct a necropsy in the lab in cooperation with the University of Maine-Animal Health Lab, but if this is not possible, a field necropsy will be conducted.

In May, as females prepare to give birth, movements will also be closely monitored. Once females give birth to calves, biologists will keep a close eye on the young calves.

“After birth, we will use walk-in surveys to monitor calving, as this will give us more information on behavior and mortality,” said Kantar.

This will be the first year of the monitoring study. Additional moose and calves will be captured and collared next year.

This survey is in addition to the research that is already being conducted on Maine’s moose. IFW utilizes aerial flights to assess population and the composition of the moose herd. During the moose hunting season, biologists also examine teeth, the number of ticks a moose carries, and in some cases, examine ovaries to determine reproductive rates.

This will be the second time that moose have been radio-collared in Maine. In the early 1980’s, moose were radio-collared in order to better understand the range of the moose population.

Press Release from Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries

As Fierce Habitat Loss Storm Rages, Pheasants Forever's Impact Grows

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 14:54:00 +0000

For the third consecutive year, Pheasants Forever spent more than $50 million on its wildlife habitat conservation and education mission. In 2013, $53.8 million mission dollars helped accomplish 13,281 wildlife habitat projects spanning 1.46 million acres – the highest annual acreage total in Pheasants Forever’s 31-year history. The year’s total pushes Pheasants Forever over the 10 million acre mark since the organization’s 1982 inception.

Long a hallmark of efficiency, Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, spends 91.6 cents of every dollar (up from 91.23 in 2012) it raises directly on mission work, with the remainder utilized for fundraising and administrative functions. In fact, Pheasants Forever continues to be recognized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the country.

However, Pheasants Forever recognizes that while the organization may be healthy, upland habitat across the country is disappearing at pace never before experienced. “Announcing these Annual Report numbers is bittersweet,” explains Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever’s President and CEO. “I am extremely proud of our organization’s team, volunteers, and these milestones. We announce these Annual Report statistics as a way of demonstrating our organization’s credibility. What we need is more: members, landowner partners, corporate partners, donors, we need more people to join us as we compete with the pace of habitat loss.”

Nationwide: Habitat Loss and Land Management Policies and Programs Approximately 1.6 million acres were removed from the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in 2013. With limited protections, native prairie loss has also accelerated. In South Dakota, for instance, native prairie conversion outpaces even the loss of CRP habitat. Marginal cropland and even environmentally-sensitive areas continue to remain susceptible to habitat loss because of federal crop insurance and disaster relief programs that mitigate the risk of farming these areas.

Pheasants Forever’s push for a strong conservation title in a new federal Farm Bill has carried into 2014. Pheasants Forever is working for a 5-year Farm Bill with strong conservation provisions, one that includes national Sodsaver (native prairie) provisions and crop insurance linked to conservation compliance.

Wildlife Habitat Projects Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapter projects accounted for 465,488 acres of wildlife habitat improvement in 2013. Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists - who work with landowners to enroll in conservation programs – made 22,600 landowner contacts in 2013, resulting in 997,750 acres of wildlife habitat improvement.

Land Purchases / Permanent Wildlife Habitat Protection Because of 55 land purchases in 2013, 4,291 acres of wildlife habitat have been permanently conserved by Pheasants Forever. Twenty-eight percent of Pheasants Forever’s 2013 program expenses were directed at purchasing land, and all these properties have or will be turned over to state or federal natural resource agencies and opened to public hunting and outdoor recreation.

Youth, Education Camp; Public Awareness Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters held 904 youth events in 2013, including 697 youth shooting sports events. In the last year, 48,767 youngsters participated in chapter sponsored mentored youth hunts, target shoots or other youth/conservation events – also an organizational record.

Pheasants Forever’s full Annual Report will be published in the Spring 2014 issue of the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 140,000 members and 745 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

Rehan Nana (651) 209-4973 RNana@pheasantsforever.org

Vermont Moose Hunters Had a Successful Season

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 14:16:00 +0000

Vermont moose hunters had a successful hunting season according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. An archery moose hunt was held October 1-7, and the regular moose hunting season was October 19-24.

“A preliminary count shows that by November 6, the department had received official reports of 23 moose being taken by 50 hunters in the archery season, and 197 moose taken by 362 hunters in the regular season,” said Cedric Alexander, Vermont’s moose project leader. A few additional reports may still be sent in from other reporting agents.

“Vermont’s moose population is being managed scientifically, according to a plan developed on sound wildlife biology and input from the public,” said Alexander. “The overall hunter success rate was up slightly from last year, due, in part, to colder weather stimulating moose activity near the end of the season.”

“The number of ticks found on moose brought in to the Island Pond check station was higher than at any other check station. The tick data will be analyzed further and compared to results from New Hampshire and Maine.”

This was Vermont’s 21st moose hunting season in modern times, the first occurring in 1993 when 30 permits were issued and 25 moose were taken by hunters.

A final report on Vermont’s moose hunting season will be available in January when all of the 2013 data have been received and reviewed.

Michigan conservation officers offer top 10 tips for a safe hunting experience

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 14:54:00 +0000

With Michigan's rich tradition of fall hunting getting under way, conservation officers at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have offered their top 10 tips for a safe outdoor experience.

"Hunting in Michigan is a time-honored activity, rich in tradition, when families and friends come together to enjoy our great outdoors," said Lt. Andrew Turner, who leads the DNR's Recreation, Safety and Enforcement Section for the Law Enforcement Division. "Making your hunt a safe and responsible experience is key to having an enjoyable and memorable time. By following these safety tips, hunters can help us all have a good season."

Turner said the top 10 safety tips for hunters to remember are:

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Be certain of your target, and what's beyond it, before firing. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an adequate backstop; don't shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Don't run, jump or climb with a loaded firearm. Unload a firearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during hunting. Also avoid mind- or behavior-altering medicines or drugs.
All firearm deer hunters on any land during daylight hunting hours must wear a hat, cap, vest, jacket, rainwear or other outer garment of "hunter orange" visible from all sides. All hunters, including archers, must comply during gun season.
Camouflage hunter orange is legal, provided 50 percent of the surface area is solid hunter orange. (Exceptions: waterfowl, crow and wild turkey hunters, and bow hunters for deer during bow season).
Always let someone know where you are hunting and when you plan on returning. This information helps conservation officers and others locate you if you get lost.
Carry your cellphone into the woods. Remember to turn your ringer off or set your phone to vibrate rather than ring. Your cellphone emits a signal that can help rescuers locate you when you are lost. If you have a smartphone, go to the settings and enable your GPS to help searchers find you if you get lost. Make sure before you leave for the woods each day that your phone is fully charged. If you have a smartphone, download a compass and flashlight app - there are many versions of these apps that are free to download in the iPhone App Store or on Google Play for Android.

"These simple, common sense tips can prevent hunting accidents and save lives," said Turner. "We encourage all sportsmen and women to follow these guidelines when enjoying the great outdoors in our state."

Michigan's regular deer firearm season starts Nov. 15. For more information about hunting in Michigan, visit the DNR websitewww.michigan.gov/hunting.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Deer Attractants In IN: Legal To Buy But Not For Use In Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:42:00 +0000

The Department of Natural Resources is reminding Indiana hunters that even though deer attractants found at retail stores can be purchased and used in the wild, hunting near them is illegal.

They are considered bait.

Indiana regulations prohibit the hunting of deer with the use or aid of bait, which is defined as “a food that is transported and placed for consumption, including, but not limited to, piles of corn and apples placed in the field; a prepared solid or liquid that is manufactured and intended for consumption by livestock or wild deer, including, but not limited to, commercial baits and food supplements; salt; or mineral supplements.”

This includes artificial products marketed under names such as Deer Co-Cain, Buck Jam, Trophy Rock, as well as mineral blocks, salt blocks, and even natural foods such as corn and apples.

“Basically, if you place anything that isn't grown in the area and hunt there, it's illegal,” said Lt. Larry Morrison, outdoor education director for DNR Law Enforcement. “Hunting next to a corn field or from an apple tree is legal, but placing corn or apples under your tree stand would put you in conflict with current Indiana law.”

An area is considered baited for 10 days after the product and the affected soil is removed from an area.

Odor differs from bait. Cover scents or scent attractants are legal to use when hunting.

Archery season currently is underway in Indiana and continues through Jan. 5, 2014. The urban zone segment in designated areas continues through Jan. 31, 2014.

The most popular segment of Indiana’s deer hunting season – firearms – begins Nov. 16 and ends Dec. 1, followed by the muzzleloader season (Dec. 7-22) and the special antlerless season (Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2014).

A violation of Indiana’s no baiting regulation is a Class C misdemeanor.

Contact Information:
Name: Lt. William Browne
Phone: (765) 509-0207
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov

A Few Wonderful Wildlife Photos from Waldo

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 14:46:00 +0000

My cousin recently got back from the Camino de Santiago and began to do something he has always been passionate about...photography. He's been selling prints for several years, but hasn't had the time to take photography serious from a business perspective. Well, he finally has a little capital built up to have some fun with it so Waldo Photography is now live. He will be heading to Africa next month and having just returned from Spain, it truly is like "Where is Waldo" for his family and friends.

His site is live and has a few kinks that he will be working out shortly. Stop by and enjoy his passion and while your there let him know you appreciate him capturing scenes most people don't ever get a chance to enjoy.

Ohio Deer Harvest Comparison Results for Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Looks like every county is down! What's the situation in Ohio?

From the Camino de Santiago to Colorado Backwoods...Nice Couple of Months

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 14:17:00 +0000

I wish this was my most recent adventure, however it belongs to my cousin Ryan, who just recently returned from Spain on a "pilgrimage" to the Cathedral of Santiago on the Camino de Santiago.

Ryan is quite the adventurer but has never really had the means to go out and do the things that occupy his mind at night. Professionally, he worked for the family business, did some carpentry, flipped some houses, but had never really experienced what I call "work", the kind of work where people won't eat if you don't work.

That all changed the last several years as the family business went under. This young man did what you're supposed to do...bust your behind and take care of the family. The oil boom in North Dakota came calling and he worked hours on the rigs with no sleep that reminded me of the days when I just had twins!

After several years on the rigs, it was time for Ryan to move on. The family is back on their feet and Ryan is on to the next adventure. This is just several photos from his camino and photos of a couple of Colorado Moose he just sent me. Salud mi amigo. Estoy orgulloso de ti!

Extremely Cool Handmade Archery Arm Guards and Quivers

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:31:00 +0000

For some time, I have been selling Field Dress tees on Etsy and recently came across a young lady hand making arm guards and quivers. I just think it's impressive to find people using their creative juices and passion to create something completely unique.

Trisha designs and makes custom arm guards, quivers, and even handbags that anyone will love and appreciate. With the holidays coming near, a gift from Trisha will speak a thousand words. Go check out Trisha at Trisha's Treasures on Etsy or Mystic Quivers.

Archery in Louisiana Schools Program Growing in Popularity

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 15:06:00 +0000

As a new school year begins, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Archery in Louisiana Schools Program (ALAS) continues efforts to attract participants.
Louisiana’s archery program in schools dates back to 2005. Since that time almost 400 basic archery instructors have been trained. There are currently 75 Louisiana schools participating in the program.

Each year in March, a state archery competition is held to allow ALAS schools and students to compete against their peers and qualify for national and world tournaments. The ALAS state tournament attempts to mirror National Archery in the School’s Program (NASP) tournament as closely as possible, following all NASP tournament rules.

The 2013 tournament, the largest so far, was held in the LSU Ag and Extension Service’s Mega Shelter in Alexandria and attracted 535 archers competing from 18 schools and a crowd of 2,000 people. Awards were given to the top 3 teams in each division and the top 5 individuals in each division including elementary, middle school and high school. Awards were provided by LDWF, NASP and the Quality Deer Management Association.

Archery as an extra-curricular program or part of a school’s physical education activities is ideal because any student who can draw back the bow can participate. Archery in schools programs at all levels can be used by teachers and coaches to build self- confidence in students, and most importantly it’s fun for the kids. Surveys of those who have been introduced to archery indicate 89 percent like it and 62 percent said they love it.

Teachers surveyed indicate that they have seen improved confidence, motivation, attendance, attitude and behavior. It also adds another non-gender specific competitive opportunity for the school and students who become involved develop pride in their school.

Some students may choose to develop their skills for hunting, but all who participate have the opportunity to compete beyond high school and hone their skills based on the practice time dedicated to target shooting.

So how big are archery programs for students outside of Louisiana? In 2012, more students in the U.S. participated in NASP than in Little League Baseball. Currently 47 U.S. states participate, as well as six Canadian provinces, and even countries such as: Botswana, Mongolia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Last year almost 44,000 students participated in state tournaments, and nearly 9,500 shot at the 2013 Nationals. And if anyone thinks this is just a boys sport, 43 percent of those shooters were female.

Over 10 million students have participated in NASP since 2002, with over 10,440 schools participating. The program is currently growing by about 1,600 schools per year.

For more information, visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/archery/archery-louisiana-schools-alas or contact Robert Stroede, LDWF’s program coordinator at 318-484-2276 or rstroede@wlf.la.gov .

Five States Submit 4th Draft of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation Plan as Alternative to Federal Endangered Species Act Listing

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:03:00 +0000

The 4th draft of a comprehensive conservation plan for the lesser prairie-chicken has been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for endorsement, a plan offered by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) and state wildlife agencies in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. This latest version comes after extensive review and comment by stakeholders across the bird’s five-state range. Once the USFWS endorses the plan, the states can begin implementing it, in hope of precluding the need to list the species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The lesser prairie-chicken is an iconic grassland grouse species native to parts of all five states. However, long-term population declines have brought state and federal agencies together in an attempt to better manage lesser prairie-chickens and their habitats. The resulting precedent-setting plan identifies population and habitat objectives based upon the needs of the species, not state boundaries.

“For years, biologists have well-known that wildlife do not recognize state lines, which has presented management challenges for wildlife agencies,” says Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA Grassland Initiative Coordinator. “Often, population goals are set based on administrative boundaries. This plan not only sets biologically meaningful population objectives, it also allows for resources to be spent anywhere within the same habitat type, regardless of the state. This should give state wildlife agencies maximum management flexibility and, ideally, preclude the need to list it.”

The submittal of the range-wide plan comes at the same time the second annual statistically-valid, range-wide population estimate for the lesser prairie-chicken is being released. Analysis of the 2013 range-wide survey revealed population estimates of 17,616, down from the 34,440 birds estimated the previous year. This population decrease was predicted by biologists because of the persistent drought that has plagued the region in recent years.

Lesser prairie-chicken populations have fluctuated historically due to weather and habitat conditions. In fact, populations were so low during the droughts in the 1930s and 1950s biologists feared the species was almost extinct. However, when the rains returned, the populations rebounded.

WAFWA’s Grassland Initiative collaborated with the Lesser Prairie-chicken Interstate Working Group, which is composed of biologists from state fish and wildlife departments within the range of the species, the Bureau of Land Management, and Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. to conduct a large-scale, helicopter-based survey of lesser prairie-chicken leks across all five states. Leks are sites where the birds congregate every spring for breeding. These surveys occurred from March-May and encompassed more than 300,000 square miles.

The 2013 survey was funded by the five state fish and wildlife agencies and WAFWA with support from various partners, including oil and gas companies that support lesser prairie-chicken conservation, the Bureau of Land Management and a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Although drought has significant impacts on game bird populations, biologists are heartened by the fact that the lesser prairie-chicken has historically shown significant resiliency to periodic climatic events. When the birds were first proposed for listing in the 1990s, the region was experiencing a severe drought. In many areas, bird populations declined by more than 60 percent, but recovered to prior levels with a return to wetter years later in that decade.

The range-wide conservation plan will help increase and enhance critical lesser prairie-chicken habitat through partnerships with landowners that will incentivize beneficial land management practices. The plan has benefitted from extensive public review and stakeholder input, including more than 70 public meetings throughout the five states in addition to online review and comment. This includes specific meetings and outreach for wind energy, oil and gas and agricultural interests.

"We don’t want to see the lesser prairie-chicken designated as a federally threatened or endangered species, however in the event it is listed, we want to have a plan in place to recover the bird and get it off the list as soon as possible," said Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA grassland coordinator.

"Two critical factors for the bird are good weather and good partnerships with conservation groups and landowners,” Van Pelt added. “Fortunately, drought conditions continue to improve and landowners are getting more involved at the grassroots level, both of which are encouraging signs for the future of the lesser prairie-chicken.”

For more information, contact Van Pelt at BVanpelt@azgfd.gov or visit the team’s website atwww.wafwa.org/html/prairie_chicken.shtml, where the 4th draft of the range-wide plan and the 2013 aerial survey report are available.

Michigan's Dansville State Game Area Offers Excellent Hunting Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 14:06:00 +0000

The Department of Natural Resources encourages hunters to try Dansville State Game Area this year for excellent hunting opportunities. With nearly 5,000 acres of quality deer, turkey and small game habitat, hunting opportunities abound at this hidden gem, located just 20 miles southeast of Lansing in Ingham County.

This year's favorable weather conditions have promoted excellent food plots of corn, soybeans, grasses, clover and brassicas. Foot trails leading from the parking lots to the fields make hunting the fields easy. Forests near the fields provide ample cover for wildlife, along with additional food sources. Squirrels, rabbits and other small game can be found in the woods.

Hewes Lake, located in the northwest corner of the game area, offers fishing and waterfowl hunting opportunities. The lake is accessed by a wide trail, and hunters and anglers with disabilities can easily reach the lake for recreation.

A map of the Dansville State Game Area is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/gohunt. Cover-type maps and aerial views of the area are also available on Mi-HUNT at www.michigan.gov/mihunt.

Small game and deer hunting licenses are available at DNR Operations Service Centers, wildlife field offices, license retailers or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Ohio Deer Hunters Receive More Prime Hunting Time

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 16:41:00 +0000

Several changes to Ohio’s white-tailed deer hunting regulations take effect when the first deer season begins on Saturday, Sept. 28, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

New deer hunting regulations implemented by the ODNR Division of Wildlife include extended hunting hours during gun and muzzleloader seasons, county bag limits, changes to deer permit use and an antlerless-only muzzleloader season.

“This year we were able to add 30 minutes of prime hunting time after sunset to every day of the deer gun and muzzleloader hunting seasons,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “Ohio has some of the best hunting opportunities in the country, and this extra half hour is a golden opportunity for hunters to extend their time in the field.”

All deer hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and a valid deer permit. A detailed listing of deer hunting rules is contained in the 2013-14 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold, or wildohio.com. Ohio’s 2013-2014 deer seasons include:

• Archery: Sept. 28-Feb. 2, 2014;
• Antlerless muzzleloader: Oct 12-13;
• Youth gun: Nov. 23-24;
• Gun: Dec. 2-8 and
• Muzzleloader: Jan 4-7, 2014.

Deer hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes past sunset for all deer seasons. This includes gun and muzzleloader seasons.

Deer bag limits are now determined by county (see map for bag limits). The statewide bag limit is nine deer, but a hunter cannot exceed a county bag limit. Additional ODNR Division of Wildlife authorized controlled hunting opportunities do not count against statewide or county bag limits. Hunters may harvest only one buck in Ohio, regardless of method of take or location.

Antlerless permits will be valid until Dec. 1, the Sunday before the deer-gun season. Only one antlerless permit may be used per county, regardless of the bag limit.

Ohio is offering an antlerless deer muzzleloader hunting season Oct. 12-13. It is legal to bowhunt during this weekend, but no bucks may be killed regardless of hunting implement. Archers hunting during the statewide gun, youth gun and muzzleloader seasons must meet the hunter orange requirement.

A new tagging procedure administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife requires hunters to make their own game tag to attach to a deer. Game tags can be made of any material (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.) as long as it contains the hunter’s name, date, time and county of the kill. Go to the Deer Hunting Resources page at wildohio.com for more information on changes to the game check process.

All hunters must report their deer harvest using the automated game-check system. Hunters have three options to complete the game check:

• Online at ohiogamecheck.com;
• Call 877-TAG-ITOH (824-4864);
• Visit a license agent. A list of agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE.

Game-check transactions are available online and by seven days a week, including holidays. Landowners exempt from purchasing a deer permit, and other people not required to purchase a deer permit, cannot use the 877-TAG-ITOH option.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations through a combination of regulatory and programmatic changes. Progress toward reducing locally abundant herds can be expected as strides have already been made in reducing deer herds in many counties closer to target levels.

Ohio hunters are encouraged to hunt more does this season to help the needy in their area. The ODNR Division of Wildlife is working with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online atfhfh.org.

Deer hunting in Ohio continues to be a popular activity for many who enjoy the outdoors. Ohio hunters checked 218,910 deer during the 2012-2013 season. Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservationpublication.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Grants and Additions to the National Wildlife Refuge System Will Conserve More than 150,000 Acres of Bird Habitat

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:53:00 +0000

The protection, restoration and enhancement of 157,000 acres of migratory bird habitat was unanimously approved today by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. As a result, 42,000 acres of waterfowl habitat will be added to the National Wildlife Refuge System through boundary additions and purchases totaling $3.3 million. An additional 115,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands will be conserved through North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants totaling $21.5 million.

“Wetlands provide not only some of the richest wildlife habitat on Earth, especially for migratory birds, but also clean drinking water, flood control and opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation,” said Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who chairs the commission. “By conserving, enhancing and restoring more than 150,000 acres of wetlands, including adding to the National Wildlife Refuge System, we are enriching our country in ways that will be seen for generations to come.”

The $3.3 million approved to acquire refuge land and boundary additions will come from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which consists of proceeds from the sale of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, popularly known as Duck Stamps, and other funding sources. Waterfowl hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts can support bird habitat acquisitions by purchasing Federal Duck Stamps.

Twenty-one million dollars in conservation grants to 21 projects in 16 states will also be made available through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act U.S. Standard Grants program. Partners will match this support with $50 million in leveraged funds.

“Our nation’s migratory birds are facing ever-greater threats from habitat loss and the burgeoning effects of global warming. Protecting these habitats is essential for the long-term survival of key populations of waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds and landbirds,” said Service Director Dan Ashe.

The three commission-approved refuge projects are:
·        Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Dorchester County, Maryland
·        San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria County, Texas
·        Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Spokane County, Washington

Projects funded through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act U.S. Standard Grants Program include:
·        Missouri Coteau Habitat Conservation Project XII, North Dakota - $2,000,000
·        Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands III, Iowa - $1,000,000
·        North Sacramento Valley Wetland Habitat Project VI, California - $1,000,000

For additional details about these projects, visithttp://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/Standard/US/2013_Sept.shtm

In addition to Secretary Jewell, Migratory Bird Conservation Commission members include U.S. Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas, U.S. Representative John Dingell of Michigan and Representative Robert Wittman of Virginia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy.

More information about the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and its U.S. Standard Grants program, including individual summaries of projects announced today, is available at: http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/Standard/US/

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page atwww.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/

RMEF’s $140,000 Gift Opens Door to 18,000 Acres of Public Access

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:21:00 +0000

A 40-acre acquisition by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will improve access to nearly 18,000 acres of National Forest public lands in central Montana for hunting and other recreational enjoyment.

“This strikes at the heart of what RMEF is all about,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We are committed to opening more land for hunting and other year-round recreational public access and now the gate is open for hunters to more easily access thousands of acres of elk country previously almost impossible to reach.”

Recently acquired by RMEF, the property contains a 30-foot common boundary with a corner piece of the Lewis and Clark National Forest (LCNF), best known as home of the Big and Little Snowy Mountains. The transaction is a cooperative effort between the RMEF, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the LCNF, and willing landowners Marshall and Leslie Long.

RMEF purchased the land for $190,000 and will offer it to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for $50,000, in effect donating the remaining balance of $140,000 to FWP. To complete the land transfer, FWP will launch a public environmental analysis to get the land acquisition approved by the FWP Commission and the Montana Land Board.

RMEF and its partners signed an agreement that sets the stage for the FWP to provide an entrance, parking area, signage and a defined access trail into the forest. The goal is to have the improvements in place by October 26, opening day of the 2013 general big game rifle season.

“This small but critical piece of land offers both big game habitat and exceptional access to public land that supports a prized elk population,” said Gary Bertellotti, FWP Region 4 supervisor. “FWP wants to thank the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for its efforts to secure the Red Hill property and partnering with FWP to provide access to elk and National Forest public lands for future generations.”

“This is a big win for hunters and other members of the public because there was realistically no easy way to reach this part of the Snowys. This public access will allow hunters to play a more active part with management of an elk herd that is over objective.” added Allen.

Aerial surveys conducted by FWP this past February revealed a population count of approximately 4,000 elk in the Big and Little Snowy Mountains with a calf to cow ratio of 30:100.

The transaction conserves a diverse mixture of aspen and forest, grasslands, meadows, wetlands, and a spring and intermittent stream; and provides important habitat for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bear, grouse and a vast array of other wildlife.

Funding for the project came from the Torstenson Family Endowment which is used solely to further RMEF’s core mission programs of permanent land protection, habitat stewardship, elk restoration and hunting heritage.

To date, RMEF projects opened or improved access to approximately 668,000 acres of elk country across the nation.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6.3 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

National Hunting and Fishing Day Coming September 28th

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:12:00 +0000

To find more information on events in your state click here.

Realtree and Duck Commander Strengthen Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 13:28:00 +0000

Realtree President and CEO Bill Jordan announced today a strengthening of the business partnership between the Realtree and Duck Commander teams. Beginning immediately, Realtree will assume primary administrative duties related to the licensing of Duck Commander products.

“We’ve worked closely with Phil and all the Duck Commander guys for over eight years now,” said Jordan. “It’s remarkable what they have built throughout the company’s 40-year history. We’ve been fans and believers in all they do for many years, and we look forward to helping them continue the growth of the Duck Commander brand.”

“An area that has really grown quickly for Duck Commander is product licensing,” Jordan continued. “Of course, this is one of Realtree’s core strengths. Thankfully, we’ve built a strong level of trust with everyone in the Duck Commander camp, and we are really pleased that they asked Realtree to support this part of their business.”

Duck Commander products featuring Realtree camouflage are already found widely in the market place. This strengthened partnership will ensure that consumers find an even greater selection of the Duck Commander/Realtree products they want and need.

“Working with the Realtree guys on new products was an easy business decision,” said Duck Commander CEO Willie Robertson. “Not many companies have a better grasp on the start-to-finish product cycle, and it’s clear they’re in business for the long run. It’s a real partnership that gives me one less thing to worry about.”

Companies interested in licensing Duck Commander and Buck Commander products are asked to contact Realtree here: http://www.realtree.com/company/duck-commander-licensing-and-licensing-application.

Idaho Fish & Game Sponsoring Two Mentored Youth Hunts In The Upper Snake

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 14:43:00 +0000

Idaho Fish and Game is sponsoring two mentored youth hunts in the Upper Snake Region this year.

They will consist of one waterfowl and one pheasant hunt.

The waterfowl hunt will be September 28 at the Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area. The pheasant hunt will be October 5 at the Market Lake Wildlife Management Area north of Roberts.

Both events are meant to provide opportunities for first time youth hunters between the ages of 10 and 15 who do not have someone to take them hunting.

Fish and Game will provide mentors and all the equipment required for the hunt.

Youths will be required to purchase a junior hunting license or a mentored hunt passport before participating. The junior hunting license purchase requires having passed a Hunter Education course.

Waterfowl hunters are also required to purchase a migratory bird permit.
Participating youth must have transportation to and from the hunting area, but some accommodations can be arranged if necessary. This is a great opportunity to get youth out in the field with an experienced guide.

We plan on having lots of fun and creating lifelong memories. Anyone interested in this event or who knows a youth who is, please fill out an application at the Fish and Game office at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls.

Space is limited and walk-ins will not be accepted. Applications must be turned in by September 25.

For questions contact James Brower at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD) or by email at james.brower@idfg.idaho.gov.

Summer wrap-up...back to the blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 16:45:00 +0000

Started the summer working on a ranch for the month of June.

After working hard and with four kids waiting at home, it was time for a family roadtrip. My daughter and Shadow in Colorado for a brief stay.

My aunt and uncle were extremely generous to let us use their RV to head north for several weeks.

Can't head north without stopping for a visit to Mount Rushmore, the Reptile Gardens, and Bear Country USA.

Finally made it home to beautiful North Dakota.

The kids made wonderful friends for their stay...wanted to adopt them!

The girls dominated tubing!

Took one son skiing and our other son got up for the first time!

Found time to enjoy a round of golf with my dad and brother.

Finally, stayed in Colorado with family to enjoy the sights.

Can't really say I missed the computer, but with kids back in school and hunting season upon us, time to get back to work and enjoy the season's stories and news. Hope everyone has a successful season and hope you enjoy this coming year outdoors!

NWTF Uses Crowdfunding for Wildlife Habitat Conservation

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:08:00 +0000

Source: Uploaded by user via Kim on Pinterest

Driven by its new Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, the NWTF is using crowdfunding - a fundraising approach that allows many individuals to make small donations towards a common project - to help fund a forester position dedicated to proactive management of forests in the Black Hills.

The NWTF, concerned by a mountain pine beetle epidemic plaguing the Black Hills forests, started the crowdfunding project because the region would benefit from a forester to oversee habitat management in a region that offers unique public hunting and outdoor opportunities for sportsmen across the nation.

Filling this position will help improve more than 2,000 acres of forest habitat. Much of the habitat work will be funded by cost share dollars, possibly as much as $800,000, available through the Natural Resource Conservation Service and a previously acquired federal grant. Beetle infestations create extremely dangerous conditions by killing trees across vast areas, exponentially increasing the chance for catastrophic wildfires.

NWTF chose the crowdfunding website CrowdTilt to help raise funds needed to hire fund the forester for the Black Hills region. CrowdTilt allows individuals to pledge a contribution towards the NWTF project without donors having to pay until the project meets its monetary goal of $10,000.

Interested individuals can review the full project description and donate to the NWTF Black Hills project on CrowdTilt by visiting https://www.crowdtilt.com/campaigns/improve-habitat-and-hunting-in-the-black-hills. The fundraising project will run until July 5, 2013.

This effort supports the NWTF's new Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, which will conserve and enhance four million acres of critical upland wildlife habitat to increase wild turkey populations, create 1.5 million new hunters and establish 500,000 additional acres of hunting access.

As a leading conservation organization, the NWTF created the initiative to tackle the challenges facing the sporting community: national turkey populations have declined 15 percent with much more dramatic declines in some historically important areas; 6,000 acres of upland wildlife habitat are lost every day; hunter numbers are not keeping pace with population growth, endangering the funding model for conservation in North America.

Visit www.nwtf.org for more information or, follow the NWTF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

Live! Delta Duck Cam

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Source: Uploaded by user via Michele on Pinterest

All across the prairie each spring, a dramatic struggle of nesting hen ducks to protect incubating eggs and survive in a grassland habitat teeming with predators plays out.

Skunks, raccoons, foxes, opossums and other toothy critters looking for an easy meal threaten to destroy the nests. Ultimately, the drama boils down to a hen — literally a sitting duck — trying to hide her eggs and herself in the grass for more than three weeks to hatch a brood of fluffy ducklings.

Now, you can watch! The Delta Duck Cam, a streaming webcam placed near an incubating wild duck, is your live, real-time window into the life of a hen on a nest in North Dakota.

“What takes place on the breeding grounds of the Prairie Pothole Region — exactly what it takes to make a nest, raise ducklings and avoid predators — is a complete mystery to most people,” said Joel Brice, Delta’s vice president of conservation. “The thought has always been that, if we could just bring people here to see it for themselves, they’d be more passionate about the support they give to wildlife. Through this unique project, we can do that.”

The lead role falls to Pintail 004, a hen northern pintail that might have spent last winter in the rice fields of Arkansas or on the Texas Gulf Coast, but now is at her spring and summer home near Egeland, N.D. She is in the heart of the storied Prairie Pothole Region, an area encompassing the Dakotas and southern Canada where 70 percent of North America’s ducks are born.

Delta Waterfowl’s wildlife technicians set up the camera on May 16. Pintail 004 has eight eggs, and provided no marauding predator finds the nest, the ducklings should hatch around June 10. But the odds are against Pintail 004. Previous Delta research in the area has shown nest success to be about 5 percent.

Anything can happen.

Thanks to a sponsorship with outdoor apparel maker Sitka Gear, the Delta Duck Cam will broadcast her every moment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Whether Pintail 004’s nest is destroyed, abandoned or hatches, Delta researcher Mike Buxton, who received a Masters Degree from Louisiana State University, will be first to the scene to relocate the camera to another viable nest. Because of the different timing of nesting for various duck species throughout spring and into summer, the Delta Duck Cam could potentially last through July. Although the camera currently is pointed at a pintail, viewers could see the nests of northern shovelers, mallards, gadwalls, lesser scaup and blue-winged teal.

From different ducks to plentiful dangers to the changing of the seasons, the Delta Duck Cam promises to shed light on a fascinating aspect of the duck world many people have heard about, but few have ever seen.

Stay tuned!

Ducks Unlimited Initiates Long-Awaited Coastal Restoration Project

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:59:00 +0000

Source: classicvariety.com via Melissa's on Pinterest

Ducks Unlimited and partners recently received a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant for coastal marsh restoration efforts in Louisiana. The nearly $1 million grant will be combined with partner contributions of more than $2 million to improve more than 16,000 acres of coastal wetlands, including a long-awaited project on Liner's Canal in Terrebonne Parish.

"Terrebonne Parish has some of the most dramatic rates of wetland loss on the Louisiana coast," said Bob Dew, DU manager of conservation programs. "DU is pleased to work with our many partners from the public and private sectors to see the Liner's Canal project finally come to fruition."

The Liner's Canal restoration has been on the parish's desired projects list for several years, but a lack of funding has kept it from being completed. It will benefit hundreds of acres of fresh and intermediate marsh by increasing freshwater flow into an area severely threatened by saltwater intrusion.

"We respect Duck Unlimited's stewardship of wetland habitats in southeast Louisiana and we have witnessed – firsthand – the organization's commitment and professionalism in developing and managing restoration projects," said Michel Claudet, president of Terrebonne Parish.

Specifically, Ducks Unlimited will build a multi-bay water control structure to increase the freshwater flow through Liner's Canal by about three times. The structure will also prevent salt water from accessing freshwater marshes upstream.

While the structure and impacted marsh are privately owned by Apache Corporation, there are substantial public benefits of increased healthy marsh, including waterfowl, wildlife and fisheries habitat, storm protection and water quality improvement.
"We are grateful to Ducks Unlimited for being the catalyst to get the project moving forward," said Tim Allen, general manager at Apache. "This project fits in exceptionally well with the other stewardship initiatives we implement on Apache property."

Additional grant projects include:

Permanent protection of nearly 6,000 acres of fresh to intermediate marsh habitat
Restoration of more than 3,700 acres of coastal wetlands in west-central Lafourche Parish
Restoration of approximately 6,000 acres of private lands across the coastal zone through the Louisiana Waterfowl Project program, which provides technical and cost-share assistance to landowners wanting to improve their property for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife

The projects included in this grant all address the changes in salt- and freshwater flows, which impact marsh vegetation and soil stability. By restoring freshwater inputs and installing water control structures to manage salinity and water levels within coastal marshes, land managers can increase the overall health and function of coastal marshes.

"The Gulf Coast is the continent's single most important wintering area for waterfowl, and it's being lost at a staggering rate," Dew said. "As such, protecting and restoring coastal marsh and prairie habitat is a top priority for Ducks Unlimited."

Coastal restoration isn't solely about ecosystems and wildlife, either. Economic benefits of coastal restoration include creating and retaining jobs, increasing recreational opportunities such as bird watching and boating and increasing fishing and hunting opportunities.

In addition to Ducks Unlimited, Apache Corporation and Terrebonne Parish, partners on the NAWCA grant include the Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets attwitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos atyoutube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc.

Andi Cooper

(601) 956-1936

acooper@ducks.org

@DUSouthernNews

Bison Found In River Did Not Die From Malignant Catarrhal Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Rod McBellanic) — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:03:00 +0000

Source: thestewlife.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Results from lab tests confirm that the first of three dead bison found in the Yellowstone River did not die from malignant catarrhal fever (results on the other two bison are pending and expected within one to two weeks). The exact cause of death could not be determined from tissue samples. However, there was no sign of disease. The only evidence of abnormality on the carcass – visible to FWP Wildlife Veterinarian Jennifer Ramsey – was trauma to the animal’s pelvis.

Within the past two weeks, three dead bison were spotted in the Yellowstone River. With two separate efforts, FWP crews were able to retrieve tissue samples from each bison: the first near Emigrant, and the other two closer to Gardiner. Ramsey also documented trauma to these other two bison in the form of broken ribs in one, and a fractured pelvis in the other. She believes these traumas to have been suffered before death.

Given the recent introduction of domestic sheep in the Gardiner area, FWP looked into the possibility of malignant catarrhal fever in these bison. Malignant catarrhal fever is a viral disease which may be carried by domestic sheep without any symptoms, but can cause fatal infections in bison.